Microsoft and BD Launch Accelerator in Israel for Healthcare Startups

Startups can apply now for the Microsoft Ventures Accelerator in Tel Aviv

May 20, 2014

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 20, 2014 – For the first time in the Israeli market, two major corporations will cooperate to help identify potential breakthrough startups. Microsoft and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, are working together to establish a unique accelerator experience for startups creating advancements for the healthcare industry. The program will be located at the Microsoft Ventures Accelerator in Israel and interested entrepreneurs and startups can apply now at http://www.microsoftventures.com/accelerators/telaviv. Startups accepted into the program will be announced on August 24, 2014, and the class will be conducted September 2014 through January 2015.

“Tech startups have the potential to create breakthroughs in almost every industry, including healthcare,” said Hanan Lavy, Director of Microsoft Ventures. “We are eager to work closely with BD to provide unique opportunities for entrepreneurs in our accelerator. Startups accepted into the program will gain critical industry insight to build companies with the potential to have an enormous impact on our lives.”

The Microsoft Ventures Accelerator in Tel Aviv is a four-month program aimed at helping out early stage startups. For the next class, we will look for entrepreneurs doing big things in healthcare. To support the initiative, Microsoft is working closely with BD to provide startups with mentorship and market expertise that can help them accelerate their business and create new advances in healthcare technology and services. Though Microsoft does not take an equity stake in companies in their program, BD is offering an optional convertible investment to healthcare startups accepted into the program as well as experienced executive mentors who will help each company understand medical and customer needs and possible clinical and regulatory requirements.

“There is an incredible market opportunity for startups looking to disrupt the healthcare and medical industry by combining medical and information technologies,” said Albert Lauritano, Director of Business Development, BD Technologies, who is responsible for BD’s strategic technology partnerships. “Working with entrepreneurs to bring new products and services to the market provides a great opportunity to support the next generation of world-class companies and help them accelerate their business with BD’s global industry expertise.

“BD has been looking at opportunities for technology partnerships in Israel in particular in order to take advantage of the innovation ecosystem of entrepreneurs, technology and technical capability, infrastructure and government support. This cooperation provides BD with a proven partner in Microsoft to meet our corporate purpose of ‘Helping all people live healthy lives’.”

Microsoft Ventures Accelerator will provide the startups with a great workspace located at the Microsoft Israel R&D Center in Herzliya as well as free tools, top-quality mentorship and everything else necessary for start-ups to take their business to the next level successfully.

About BD

BD is a global medical technology company that is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD leads in patient and health care worker safety and the technologies that enable medical research and clinical laboratories. The company provides innovative solutions that help advance medical research and genomics, enhance the diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer, improve medication management, promote infection prevention, equip surgical and interventional procedures, optimize respiratory care and support the management of diabetes. The company partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. BD has more than 45,000 associates across 50 countries who work in close collaboration with customers and partners to help enhance outcomes, lower health care delivery costs, increase efficiencies, improve health care safety and expand access to health.

Microsoft Ventures is a global initiative to help entrepreneurs build great companies. Working with startups at every stage of maturity, the initiative provides the tools, resources, and expertise startups need to succeed. Visit Microsoft Ventures at www.microsoftventures.com to learn more about how Microsoft is helping the next generation of smart companies take flight.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.